Council Meeting Highlights - March 19, 2025

Meeting Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 

In attendance: Councillor Langmaid, Deputy Mayor Mitzner, Councillor Montgomery, Councillor Peterson, Councillor Wegener, and Councillor Wiley. 

Absent: Mayor Fule

Council adopted the minutes from the February 19, 2025 Regular Council Meeting, and the February 24 and March 12 , 2025 Special Council Meetings.

Closed Meeting

• Following the Closed Meeting Council appointed Izar Khan to the Strathmore Municipal Library Board for a term of three (3) years, ending October 31, 2027.

Public Hearings

Two public hearings were held:

Land Use Bylaw Amending Bylaw No. 24-23 (416 and 417 80B Archie Klaiber Trail)

• Kate Bakun presented the bylaw amendment for Administration.
• Trish Jain spoke in favor of Bylaw No. 24-23.
• Jason Hollingsworth spoke in opposition to Bylaw No. 24-23.

Land Use Bylaw Amending Bylaw No. 25-04 (Lakewood Phase 2B)

• Chuck Procter presented the bylaw amendment for Administration.
• Neal Coulter spoke in favor of Bylaw No. 25-04.
• Evan Paterson spoke in favor of Bylaw No. 25-04.
• Bruce Stewart spoke in favour of Bylaw No. 25-04.
• No one was present to speak in opposition to Bylaw No. 25-04.

Bylaws

Land Use Bylaw Amending Bylaw No. 24-23 (416 and 417 80B Archie Klaiber Trail)

• This Bylaw was regarding an application to redesignate 416 and 417 80B Archie Klaiber Trail (Block 31 Plan 7260 JK and Block 6 Plan 9411772) to facilitate the development of childcare services.
• Council defeated Bylaw No. 24-23, being a bylaw to amend the Land Use Bylaw No. 14-11.

Land Use Amending Bylaw No. 25-04 (Lakewood Phase 2B)

• This Bylaw is regarding a request that side yard setbacks for all of the proposed housing types within Lakewood Phase 2B be reduced from 1.5m to 1.2m.
• Council adopted Bylaw No. 25-04, being a bylaw to amend the Land Use Bylaw No. 14-11.

Non-Residential Municipal Tax Incentive Amending Bylaw No. 25-10

• This Bylaw removes the barrier for attracting non-residential business by removing the threshold of creating full time employment for at least 25 individuals in order to receive the Non-Residential Municipal Tax Incentive.
• Council adopted Bylaw No. 25-10, being the Non-Residential Municipal Tax Incentive Amending Bylaw.

Business

2024 Recreation and Cultural Needs Assessment – Final Report

• Administration presented Council with the results of the Recreation and Cultural Needs Assessment survey that was conducted in 2024.

2022-2025 Strategic Plan and Municipal Legislation Review

• Council made no changes to the existing 2022 - 2025 Strategic Plan.
• Bylaws and Policies that have been identified as priorities for 2025 are as follows:

1. Cemetery Bylaw
2. Policing Committee Bylaw  
3. Water Bylaw
4. Water Reservoir Borrowing Bylaw
5. Council Procedure Bylaw - Workshop
6. Debt Policy
7. Land Acquisition & Disposition Policy
8. Public Participation Policy No. 1107

2024 Reserve Funding Transfers

• The annual surplus is generated through savings and additional incomes in Town operations over the past year. The surplus funds will be transferred to the Town's operating and capital reserves and these funds will be available for future use by Council to address the infrastructure, service, and program needs of the community that align with Council's strategic priorities and policies.
• Council transferred $2,919,749 of the 2024 surplus to the following Reserve accounts:
  • Financial Stabilization Reserve - $2,040,000
  • Financial Stabilization Reserve (RCMP) - $532,975
  • Capital Reserve - Fire - $96,774
  • Water Reserve - $250,000
• Council approved amendments to the 2025 Operating Budget for the following 2024 project carry-forwards from the Financial Stabilization Reserve:
  • Economic Development Marketing Material and Industrial Lands Consulting - $20,000
  • Communications Community and Business Events and Promotions - $100,000
  • Building Maintenance Safety Program - $100,000
  • WHMB Construction Contribution - $463,400
  • WHMB Site Contamination Mitigation - $100,000
  • Medical Services Grant - $90,000

2024 Capital and Operating Budget Carry Forwards and Closed Projects

• Each year, Council approves an annual operating and capital budget that runs from January 1 to December 31. This timeframe is not always ideal for capital and operating projects that will not be completed by the end of the fiscal year. Many projects span multiple years (i.e. construction projects) or are completed over the winter season (i.e. development plans or studies). Various delays (i.e. contractor availability, supplier delays, pricing) can also impact a project and carry it over to the next fiscal year.
• Council approved the carry forward of twenty-five (25) 2024 capital projects in the amount of $2,922,200.
• Council also approved the carry forward of six (6) operating projects in the amount of $873,400.

*Council Highlights provide a brief review of the information given and discussions had at Strathmore Town Council Meetings. Council Highlights are not presented as official minutes of the meeting and do not include items discussed in a closed meeting. Official meeting minutes can be accessed at the relevant date on the Council Calendar. 

Watch the full meeting here:

March 19, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting - Part 1

March 19, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting - Part 2

March 19, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting - Part 3

March 19, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting - Part 4

 Watch all past streams here:  https://www.youtube.com/@TOStrathmore/streams